From the Arctic to Everest - A Journey of Resilience, Purpose, and Mental Strength

The challenge:

After a few days in Kathmandu, we will begin our trek from Lukla. Over approximately 14 days, we’ll hike a round-trip distance of about 135 kilometres, starting at an altitude of 2,860 metres (9,000 feet) and climbing all the way to Everest Base Camp at 5,364 metres (17,598 feet). The trek is physically demanding, with tough terrain and significant elevation gain. It takes time to acclimatise, step by step; breath by breath.

SO BRING IT ON.

But this adventure is not just about reaching a destination.

It’s about honouring everything it has taken to keep going, and choosing, once again, not to give up.

Why am I doing this?

Ten years ago, I travelled to the Arctic. That journey was never just about ice or survival. It was about challenging deep unconscious bias, the way people still question women’s capability, resilience, and leadership. I wanted to push back against narrow definitions and outdated assumptions, and I did.

Now, I’m heading to Everest Base Camp.

This time, the challenge feels even more personal.

Some journeys are physical. Some are emotional.

This one is both.

I know what it’s like to feel like you're drowning and still have to get up and carry on.

Whether it is a divorce, the loss of a spouse, the heartbreak of losing a child, a hormonal imbalance that knocks you off your feet and leaves you fighting just to stay present…

Some days, just breathing feels like an act of strength.

There have been moments where I could have easily given up, and I know many others feel the same.

Mental health is not a buzzword. It’s real, and raw, and sometimes terrifying.

This trek is my way of choosing life, choosing movement, choosing purpose.

It’s about showing that resilience isn’t loud or perfect; it’s simply the act of taking the next step.

Who is this For?

This is for every human being who has ever felt like they had to hide how hard it really is.

For those whose struggles aren’t visible, but still very real.

For people navigating loss, grief, mental health challenges, and self-doubt.

This is for those who need to see that even in the darkest moments, you can keep walking.

Even uphill. Even at altitude.

How can you help?

I am inviting a small number of people to support this mission by contributing toward the cost of the trek and helping me share the story and message behind it.

Funds will go directly toward:

• Expedition and travel costs

• Essential gear and equipment

• Content creation (photos, videos, storytelling) to share this journey widely and meaningfully

My hope is to raise awareness about people’s mental health, resilience, and visibility through this challenge, and to show what’s possible when we speak openly and walk forward, even while carrying the weight of it all.

If this resonates with you and you’d like to contribute, thank you.

If you can’t contribute financially but want to cheer me on, that means a lot too.

A Final thought:

This isn’t about conquering a mountain.

It’s about not letting the mountain inside win.

Let’s walk this together.

With love & gratitude,

Leela Xxx